Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication protocol with several applications. From tap-based payments to sharing information, NFC offers a convenient and secure way to transfer.
NFC is not as fast as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which are capable of significantly higher speeds. Sure, you can use NFC to transfer the occasional photo or contact information to another device. But NFC offers so much more.
Imagine sharing a website you are viewing, with a friend. You must copy a link into a messaging app and share it with your friend. Using NFC, all you do is tap the back of your NFC phone to the back of your friend’s NFC phone. The receiver deciphers the incoming signal and opens the website on the phone’s browser within seconds.
Not impressed? NFC also allows you to program tiny NFC tags that you can use to share information. For example, use an NFC tag to store your home Wi-Fi password. So, when you have friends over, they can tap their NFC phone on the tag and connect to the Wi-Fi instantly.
You can also use NFC tags to save phone settings and configurations. Suppose you want your phone’s Bluetooth connection off and your Wi-Fi connection on as soon as you reach the office. Or, you may like to put your phone on silent mode and reduce the screen’s brightness levels. You can easily program a tag and paste it at your work desk. Now, use your NFC-enabled phone to touch the tag, and your phone automatically reconfigures the settings.
Physical proximity is key to communication. Thus, you do not worry about password hacking or malicious content creeping into your devices. So, the applications of this technology are mainly limited by one’s imagination.
NFC is very commonly found on flagship phones of manufacturers. These tend to be expensive. However, there are some budget-friendly options on the market.
We have rounded up the best budget phones with NFC. In this article, we will review and compare each one and list their pros and cons. Next, our buying guide will highlight the critical aspects of buying a budget phone with NFC. And close by answering some frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Budget Phones with NFC
- 1. Samsung Galaxy A22 – Value for money NFC Phone
- 2. Google Pixel 5a – NFC Phone with OLED Screen
- 3. Motorola One 5G Ace – Best Battery Life
- 4. OnePlus Nord CE 2 – NFC Phone with Superfast charging
- 5. Nokia 5.4 – Cheapest NFC Phone
- 6. TCL 10 Pro – Best storage capacity
- 7. LG G8X ThinQ – NFC Phone with the best processor
- 8. Poco X4 Pro 5G – Best Screen
- Budget Phone with NFC – Our Buying Guide
- Budget Phone with NFC – Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison of the Best Budget Phones with NFC
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Samsung Galaxy A22 5G | Screen: 6.6” LCD IPS Resolution: 1080x2400 pixels Rear Camera: 48MP, 5MP, and 2MP Front Camera: 8MP Processor: MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 RAM: 4GB Storage: 64GB Frequency: GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G Dual SIM: Yes Weight: 203gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | Google Pixel 5a | Screen: 6.34” OLED Resolution: 1080x2400 pixels Rear Camera: 16MP and 12.2MP Front Camera: 8MP Processor: Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB Frequency: GSM/CDMA/HSPA/LTE/5G Dual SIM: No Weight: 183gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | Motorola One 5G Ace | Screen: 6.7” OLED Resolution: 1080x2400 pixels Rear Camera: 48MP, 8MP, and 2MP Front Camera: 16MP Processor: Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB Frequency: GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G Dual SIM: No Weight: 212gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 | Screen: 6.43” AMOLED Resolution: 1080x2400 pixels Rear Camera: 64MP, 8MP, and 2MP Front Camera: 16MP Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 900 RAM: 8GB Storage: 128GB Frequency: GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G Dual SIM: Yes Weight: 173gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | Nokia 5.4 | Screen: 6.39” LCD IPS Resolution: 720x1560 pixels Rear Camera: 64MP, 5MP, 2MP (macro) and 2MP (depth) Front Camera: 16MP Processor: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 RAM: 4GB Storage: 128GB Frequency: GSM/HSPA/LTE Dual SIM: Yes Weight: 181gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | TCL 10 Pro | Screen: 6.47” AMOLED Resolution: 1080x2340 pixels Rear Camera: 64MP, 16MP, and 5MP Front Camera: 24MP Processor: Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 RAM: 6GB Storage: 256GB Frequency: GSM/HSPA/LTE Dual SIM: Yes Weight: 177gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | LG G8X ThinQ | Screen: 6.4” OLED Resolution: 1080x2340 pixels Rear Camera: 13MP and 12MP Front Camera: 32MP Processor: Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB Frequency: GSM/CDMA/EVDO/HSPA/LTE Dual SIM: Yes Weight: 192gms. | Buy on Amazon |
 | Poco X4 Pro 5G | Screen: 6.67” AMOLED Resolution: 1080x2400 pixels Rear Camera: 108MP, 8MP, and 2MP Front Camera: 16MP Processor: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G RAM: 6GB Storage: 128GB Frequency: GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G Dual SIM: Yes Weight: 205gms. | Buy on Amazon |
1. Samsung Galaxy A22 – Value for money NFC Phone
The Samsung Galaxy A22 5G offers the best value for money. So, one must keep reasonable expectations from the phone. Once you do that, the Samsung A22 does not disappoint. You get what you pay for, and you get plenty.
Most mobile users want a good camera on their devices. The Samsung A22 offers a 48MP, 5MP, and 2MP camera with f/1.8, f/2.2, and f/2.4 apertures on the rear panel. These are functional cameras, and using them in well-lit scenes will yield good results. However, photos taken indoors and in low-lit locations appear dull.
The Samsung A22 comes with the MediaTek Dimensity 700 MT6833 octa-core processor. You also get 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. Thus, it is perfect for everyday use and gives you your money’s worth in terms of utility.
The phone comes with support for GSM quad-band. It also supports a 5G mobile network for high-speed internet data. Thus, you feel free to roam the world without worrying about network compatibility. The phone comes with dual SIM card slots. So, you can maintain your home SIM on one and use the other for a local SIM card wherever your travel takes you.
Our Take
The Samsung A22 is a budget phone meant for everyday use to take care of the average user’s mobility needs. The cameras are decent, and one should not expect brilliant results, especially in low-lit situations. However, the overall deal is irresistible considering that the A22 also offers NFC.
- The 48MP camera with f/1.8 aperture delivers good photos in well-lit scenes.
- It covers the entire GSM spectrum; hence, you can use the device anywhere in the world.
- Dual SIM card slots allow you to use home and a local SIM while traveling.
- The matte finish repels fingerprints keeping your phone looking new.
- It supports 5G networks that provide high-speed internet connectivity.
- The photos turn out dull in low-lit conditions.
- Low RAM and storage specifications.
2. Google Pixel 5a – NFC Phone with OLED Screen
Google offers a brilliant OLED screen with the Pixel 5a. The screen measures 6.34 inches and comes with a 1080x2400pixels resolution. It also supports HDR for greater brightness and richer color representations. Also, Google ensures this display stays safe from scratch and fall by offering Gorilla Glass 3.
The Pixel 5a comes with two excellent cameras on the rear panel. The 16MP and the 12MP cameras offer aperture sizes of f/2.2 and f/1.7. As with its older siblings, the Pixel 5a provides superior picture quality even in dimly lit rooms. The camera auto-corrects the settings in overcast conditions when you are outside. Further, the 8MP selfie camera delivers accurate skin tone in the harshest lighting conditions.
The Pixel 5a comes with a Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G Octa-core processor. You also get a decent 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. However, with this phone’s brilliant camera, storage will fill quickly. And with no memory card slot, be sure to sign up for generous cloud storage.
Finally, the Pixel 5a supports GSM quad-band frequencies. It also supports EVDO, LTE, and 5G so that you get high-speed internet in the palm of your hand.
Our Take
The Pixel 5a is ideal for photography enthusiasts. It pairs a great set of cameras with an equally good OLED screen to view the fruits of your labor.
- Excellent cameras that work well even in low-light conditions.
- The battery will last you throughout the day.
- Gorilla Glass 3 keeps your display screen safe from accidental falls.
- IP67 water resistance offers protection for 30min, in submerged depths up to one meter.
- The design makes the phone seem old-fashioned.
- The 60Hz refresh rate is relatively low, considering the price you pay.
3. Motorola One 5G Ace – Best Battery Life
The Motorola One 5G Ace is an excellent budget phone with unmatched battery life. According to Motorola, the 5000mAh battery will last close to two days. That is phenomenal, considering the price and the fact that you get a smartphone that includes NFC.
The phone comes with three camera sensors on the rear panel. You get a 48MP wide-angle, 8MP ultra-wide, and 2MP for macro shots that offer f/1.7, f/2.2, and f/2.4 aperture. The photos come with sharp images with great detail and realistic colors. Motorola also offers a 16MP f/2.2 front-facing camera that supports HDR and delivers high levels of sharpness. Additionally, the camera supports 4K recording at 30fps or [email protected]
The Motorola One 5G Ace comes with Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G octa-core processor. Expectedly, there is 6GB RAM and 128GB storage that round off the phone’s essential specifications. Considering the price, these are excellent specifications that ensure you get all the vital functionalities with your phone.
The phone supports GSM quad-band, so you can roam the world worry-free. Unfortunately, the phone does not feature dual-SIM. So, you will have to replace your home SIM if you intend to buy a local SIM. However, the budget pricing of this phone allows you the luxury of using it as a secondary phone.
Our Take
The Motorola One 5G Ace is perfect for users who are constantly on the move. The 5000mAh battery will ensure you don’t worry about finding a socket to charge your phone.
- It covers the entire GSM spectrum; hence, you can use the device anywhere in the world.
- It supports 5G networks that provide high-speed internet connectivity.
- The 5000mAh battery will last you two days.
- A big display screen gives you a better viewing experience.
- No Dual-SIM support means you can only use one connection on the phone.
- Low-light photos on the camera appear dull.
4. OnePlus Nord CE 2 – NFC Phone with Superfast charging
OnePlus offers the Nord CE 2 with a 65W SuperVOOC charger that gives your phone a full charge in 30mins. Further, the phone is well-rounded in what it offers, which is typical of OnePlus, considering its past offerings.
First up, the specifications. You get a MediaTek MT6877 Dimensity 900 octa-core processor that is well known for its high performance. OnePlus also offers a massive 8GB of RAM. Surprisingly, you only get 128GB of storage. So, you will run out of place if you plan to use the excellent set of cameras the phone offers.
The phone has 64MP, 8MP, and 2MP cameras that offer wide, ultra-wide, and macro shots, respectively. The well-lit compositions produce excellent photos. However, the low-light and night shot leave a lot to be desired. For video recording, you get two resolution options. These are the [email protected] or the [email protected] (also [email protected] and [email protected]). Thus, it is highly recommended that you use the MicroSD slot and expand the 128GB storage.
The Nord CE 2 has a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, and 1080×2400 pixel resolution. And the visuals appear bright and colorful with the HDR10+ support. The phone uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5. So, your display screen remains safe from accidental falls, nicks, and scratches commonly seen over regular use.
Lastly, OnePlus offer support for GSM quad-band and comes with dual-SIM slots. So, you do not face compatibility issues while traveling. And you can retain your home SIM card while using a local SIM.
Our Take
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 is slightly more expensive than the other budget phone with NFC. But it offers unmatched specifications, an excellent display, and super-fast battery charging. Thus, it is perfect for people who enjoy a movie while traveling.
- The battery charges to 100% in 30mins.
- The OLED display supports high brightness levels and vivid color representations.
- Gorilla Glass 5 keeps your display screen safe from accidental falls.
- Dual-SIM support allows you to use two connections on one phone.
- Low storage for the price you pay.
- Low-light photos on the camera appear dull.
5. Nokia 5.4 – Cheapest NFC Phone
The Nokia 5.4 is perfect if you are looking for a cheap NFC phone that is also a smartphone. Its biggest advantage is its price as all other features only seem just about respectable.
The phone comes with a Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 octa-core processor. Nokia pairs this with 4GB RAM and 128GB storage. You also get a media card slot to expand the storage using a microSD card. Thus, Nokia offers you fully functional specifications that provide basic smartphone capabilities.
The Nokia 5.4 comes with four rear cameras. These include a 48MP, 5MP, 2MP, and 2MP camera that offers wide, ultrawide, macro, and depth shots. The phone does not support 4K video recording. Instead, you only get [email protected] Again, these are highly underpowered, considering the segment and the competition. You get a 16MP selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture, but it remains unimpressive.
The phone comes with a 6.39-inch IPS display that offers a decent 400nits of brightness. Nokia is a bit stingy on the screen resolution too. You only get a 720×1560 pixel resolution, and you cannot enjoy an episode of your favorite web series in FullHD.
But it does get the basics right. The phone supports GSM quad-band, and you can also use LTE and 5G networks for high-speed internet connectivity.
Our Take
The Nokia 5.4 is the cheapest NFC phone you can lay your hands on. Unfortunately, this also means Nokia cuts corners on specific offerings. The display screen resolution is just one example of keeping the cost low.
- The battery will last you throughout the day.
- Dual-SIM support allows you to use two connections on one phone.
- The 16MP front camera offers good selfies.
- The screen offers a good brightness level of up to 400nits.
- The FullHD resolution with the display screen.
- The phone does not support 4K video recording.
6. TCL 10 Pro – Best storage capacity
The TCL 10 Pro offers some flagship-level specifications at a budget-friendly price. This includes a Qualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 octa-core processor, 6GB RAM, and a generous 256GB storage. Thus, you get enough processing power to handle most tasks.
The phone comes with a 6.47-inch AMOLED display that supports HDR10 that helps deliver excellent visuals. It has the thinnest bezel that almost curves along the side edges of the phone, giving it a premium look. Interestingly, the screen also incorporates a fingerprint sensor. This is something you will not find on most budget phones.
As for the cameras, the TCL 10 Pro comes with four rear camera sensors. These include 64MP, 16MP, 5MP, and 2MP, with f/1.8, f/2.4, f/2.2, and f/2.4 apertures. While the specifications are impressive, the photos taken from the phone disappoint users with a keen eye. The results appear unnaturally enhanced. Also, the cameras support video recording of [email protected], [email protected]/60/120fps, and [email protected]
Finally, the TCL 10 Pro supports GSM quad-band and has a dual-SIM slot.
Our Take
The TCL 10 Pro offers excellent specifications that provide plenty of processing power. It has a premium design with an OLED screen that supports HDR10 for a good Netflix viewing experience. All of this at a budget price.
- Fast-charging allows you to charge the battery to 50% in 35mins.
- OTG Reverse charging allows you to charge a low-powered device using your phone.
- OLED screen with HDR10 delivers an excellent visual experience.
- A good set of specifications provides plenty of processing power.
- Cameras produce disappointing photo quality.
- No waterproof or dustproof rating.
7. LG G8X ThinQ – NFC Phone with the best processor
The LG G8X ThinQ comes with a Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 octa-core processor that offers you the best processing power. The phone also features 6GB RAM and 128GB storage to round of the essential specifications. Additionally, LG provides a microSD card slot to expand the memory.
This single-screen version of the ThinQ comes with a 6.4-inch OLED that supports HDR10. So, the movies look fantastic when you stream content from Netflix and Amazon Prime. The screen features a 1080×2340 pixel resolution, and you also get a protective Corning Gorilla Glass 6. And that is not all; the G8X comes with MIL-STD-810G certification. Thus, also making it the most rugged budget phone with NFC.
The phone comes with two cameras on the rear panel. You get a 12MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture for a wide shot. For ultrawide photos, there is a 13MP camera with an f/2.4 aperture. The cameras are decent while shooting in well-lit conditions but are rather dull and lack sharpness in low ambient light.
The G8X ThinQ is compatible with GSM quad-band frequencies and has added compatibility with CDMA 800/1900. Thus, it is a versatile phone that offers significantly more than most other phones in the segment.
Our Take
The LG G8X ThinQ is geared to deliver high performance. It comes with a Snapdragon 855 processor and a brilliant OLED display, making it ideal for gaming and watching movies.
- The excellent specifications are ideal for gaming.
- The MIL-STD-810G certification makes the phone rugged.
- It offers a brilliant OLED display with HDR that provides an excellent visual experience.
- Dual-SIM support allows you to use two connections on one phone.
- Photo quality is average in well-lit conditions and poor in low-light scenarios.
- No support for 5G cellular networks.
8. Poco X4 Pro 5G – Best Screen
The Poco X4 Pro 5G offers an OLED screen that measures 6.67 inches. The screen provides vivid colors and an insane brightness level at 1200nit. Further, the phone comes pre-set at a 60Hz refresh rate which you can increase to 120Hz to get a smoother visual display. And to keep the screen safe from damage, the Poco X4 Pro 5G comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
The phone offers a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G octa-core processor. You also get 6GB RAM and 128GB storage with the option to increase the storage using the microSD card slot.
On the camera front, the phone comes with three on the rear panel. You get a colossal 108MP camera with f/1.9 aperture for wide-angle shots. Additionally, there is an 8MP camera with f/2.2 and a 2MP with f/2.4 aperture for ultrawide and macro shots, respectively. The selfie camera is 16MP with an f/2.5 aperture.
Lastly, the X4 Pro is compatible with GSM quad-band and features a dual-SIM slot. Thus, you can roam the world freely and use a local SIM card wherever you go. The phone does not support a CDMA network, so make sure your cellular service provider uses a GSM network.
Our Take
The Poco X4 Pro 5G offers an excellent OLED display with 700nits typical brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. Thus, users who like to stream videos on their phones would love the visual experience on offer.
- The incredible display screen offers high brightness levels.
- Long battery life thanks to the 5000mAh battery.
- Dual-SIM support allows you to use two connections on one phone.
- Gorilla Glass 5 keeps your display screen safe from accidental falls.
- The phone does not support 4K video recording.
- The cameras do not give the best quality pictures consistently.
Budget Phone with NFC – Our Buying Guide
Here are some vital considerations to keep in mind while buying a budget phone with NFC.
Specifications
The specifications refer to the three essential components: the processor, RAM, and storage.
The two most popular mobile phone processor manufacturers are Qualcomm and MediaTek. The Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are generally considered the best in terms of performance. The MediaTek processor is known to consume less power, giving you better battery life. But that does not mean one is better than the other. They are both excellent options that deliver superior results.
The RAM and storage options constitute the memory of the phone. The general rule here is “the more, the better.” However, you should not reject a phone because it has lower memory specifications. The need decides the specifications. So, a phone with 4GB RAM is ideal when you do not intend to run too many apps simultaneously.
The OnePlus Nord 2 CE is an excellent phone with a MediaTek processor. And the Poco X4 Pro 5G offers the best Qualcomm processor available on the market.
Camera
A good camera is one feature most users look for in a phone. Higher Mega Pixel (MP) camera provides greater details, but it is not the only parameter you should look at. A good camera pairs a high resolution with greater apertures. It enables you to take great photos in low-light conditions. The color representations appear natural, and an unsteady camera should cause no image blur.
The Google Pixel 5a is an excellent choice for a phone with good cameras that work well in low-light conditions.
Display Screen
The display screen is just as important as the camera that you have on the phone. You have the option of OLED and LCD IPS display panels. The OLED panels deliver an unmatched visual display with excellent brightness and contrast. But LCD panels are far more cost-effective. They may not offer a visual treat like OLED panels but they are nowhere near bad to write off completely.
The Poco X4 Pro 5G offers the best OLED screen among the phones on our list.
Network Compatibility
It is advisable to look for phones with wide network compatibility. Certain countries or cellular circles may use uncommon network frequencies. So, you wouldn’t want to be in a situation where your phone is incompatible with the network. Fortunately, all the phones on our list support GSM quad-band. But that only connects to providers that use a GSM network.
Then there is the CDMA network which operators like Verizon and Sprint use.
The LG G8X ThinQ is compatible with the CDMA and GSM networks. Thus, making it an excellent choice for users who travel a lot for work.
Budget Phone with NFC – Frequently Asked Questions
What is NFC?
NFC or Near Field Communication is a wireless communication medium that uses electromagnetic signals. It requires the sender and receiver to be in close proximity to each other. Typically, this proximity is 4cm or less. It allows you to transfer small data packets between NFC devices or tags.
What are NFC Tags?
NFC tags are microchips that can store small units of data. You can program an NFC Tag to save data like your Wi-Fi password, credit card detail, and whatnot. Then, you can share this data using an NFC-enabled phone by taping the tag momentarily. Thus, allowing for a convenient way to transfer data between devices.
Are all phones NFC enabled?
No, the first NFC-enabled phone was introduced only in 2010. It is a relatively new technology that is still gaining popularity. However, most new android phones feature NFC.
Is NFC better than Bluetooth?
NFC and Bluetooth differ in their applications. NFC is a more secure wireless medium as it uses short-range electromagnetic signals. Thus, the receiver has to be in close proximity to be able to use this medium.
Bluetooth communications are vulnerable to hackers but offer higher data transfer speeds over a more extended range.
